Secret Gardens of Venice

5 - 6 days
Your group, your dates
From 7500 USD

Tour Summary

Venice is primarily known for its narrow streets, canals, churches and palazzi, for its art treasures and naval history, but not for its gardens.
Indeed gardening in Venice is a bit of a paradox as the city is built on marshes and the water is brackish.
Moreover the soil is not naturally rich and is subject to flooding.
It is perhaps a credit to man’s longing for the impossible that, despite these unfavorable conditions, the city boasts more than 500 gardens.

Overview

  • Your group, your dates
  • 5 - 6 days
    Maximum 10 people.
    Enquire below for price information
    September is the best time, May and June are also very good.

Tour highlights

    Private gardens open only to us

    Exclusive access to private Venetian gardens.

    Venetian Palazzo dining

    Private dinner in a typical Venetian Palazzo.

    Torcello Island

    Private guided tour of the Torcello Island gardens

    Venetian museums to explore

    Discover Venetian museums at your leisure.

    Guided walk to secret gardens

    Learn about gardens in Venice the general public don’t see.

Sample itinerary

Here is an idea of the places we could visit. This can all be adjusted and tailored to your needs.

Day 1

We meet at our hotel mid day and enjoy lunch in the garden before setting off on a walking tour.

We explore three private gardens open exclusively for us and end the afternoon with drinks in a garden overlooking the canal grande.

Day 2

In the morning we explore the Sestiere of Canareggio and its many secret gardens.

After a delicious lunch in the former home of a botanist we set off for the Arsenale where we explore two gardens.

Day 3

Today we set out in our private taxi for the islands of the lagoon.

Our first stop is Torcello where we also visit the basilica.

In the afternoon we explore Sant Erasmo, also know as the vegetable garden of Venice and visit a local organic farm.

Day 4

We spend the morning in a private garden within walking distance of our hotel.

Our water taxi takes us to the center where we visit the garden of Carlo Scarpa at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia where we also have lunch- In the afternoon we take in the art of the Venetian School at the Academia after a private tour of the Scuola Dalmatica degli Schiavoni and its wonderful cycle by Carpaccio.

Day 5

We explore the island of San Giorgio and the gardens of the Fondazione Cini, including the cloister designed by Palladio and the Vatican Chapels installed for the Biennale of 2018.

We ascend the bell tower of the church for possibly the best aerial view of the city and the lagoon.

For our farewell dinner we are treated to drinks and dinner in a private palazzo.

    What travelers say

    Thank you so much for everything you did to make our trip perfect!!
    I cannot imagine trying to control 12 headstrong women through Italy!
    But you did it with great panache!

Meet Marie, your tour leader

Inspired by a lifelong love of gardens and travel, Marie is a garden tour expert who has been crafting tailor-made garden tours in Europe for small groups since 2010.
More about Marie

What's included

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Breakfast every day
  • 5 lunches
  • 4 dinners including wine
  • Welcome drinks the first night
  • Transportation in comfortable VIP coach with an experienced driver
  • All entrance and guiding fees
  • My services as organizer and tour leader
  • Tips
  • Tour book with extensive background information and detailed itinerary

What's not included

  • Airfare
  • Alcoholic beverages except wine with meals
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
Enquire to book

Secret Gardens of Venice

Send Marie a message via the contact form below about this "bring your group tour".

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions I get about the tours. If you have any further questions, send me a message here.

No, you don’t need to be a professional gardener.
The tours are designed for anyone who enjoys gardens and the natural world.
My travelers range from expert horticulturists to passionate amateurs, all of whom love discovering a country through its gardens.

Yes! Most tours include two or three free evenings on a week-long itinerary. This gives you time to explore local restaurants, enjoy a spa or massage, order room service, or simply relax at a café or hotel bar. Group dinners are lovely, but having personal time ensures the experience remains enjoyable and balanced.

You can contact me directly to book by clicking on the “Taking bookings. Enquire here” button on the tour page or via the contact page here.
If the tour is SOLD OUT, you can be put on the waiting list to receive information about the next tour here.
If you need personal assistance or have questions before booking, you’re always welcome to get in touch with me directly also.

Cancellations made up to four months before the tour receive a full refund of your deposit, minus a small administrative fee.
After that, cancellations are only possible if you find someone to take your place.

The ideal time depends on the destination, but as a general rule, spring and early autumn offer the most vibrant blooms and comfortable weather.
This is indicated in the summary information at the top of each tour page.
Specific gardens may have peak times for flowering or seasonal displays, which I consider when planning each tour.

Tours involve walking through gardens, which can include stairs, slopes, and uneven paths.
You should be able to walk at least a mile comfortably and manage steps.
Read my blog post for more information: How fit do I need to be for a garden tour?

For scheduled tours where you book as an individual, groups are intentionally small and intimate, with a maximum of 15 people.
This allows for a personal, immersive experience and easy conversation with fellow travelers.

For custom “bring your group tours” bookings are for a maximum group size of 15 people.

Just let me know in advance, and I will ensure that the restaurants we visit accommodate your dietary needs.

Breakfast is included on all tours.
Lunch is usually a light meal to refuel after morning visits and give you energy for the afternoon.
Occasionally, we may enjoy a more elaborate lunch depending on the country or location.
Dinners are relaxed and carefully planned to showcase local cuisine and provide a memorable dining experience.

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat for sun protection, and a camera or notebook if you like to record your impressions.
A more detailed list will be sent a couple of months before the tour dates.
Read my blog post for more information: Ten tips on what to pack for a garden trip.

All tours include private, comfortable transportation between gardens and accommodations, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.
Often transfers between to and from the airport may also be arranged.
Airfare to the destination is not included.

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